SPECIAL STORY 52 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2022 Efficiency is the main goal of every business. Efficiency is also an important parameter to increase profitability for feed mills. Nils Lastein, Application Manager at ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel, one of the world's leading suppliers of process solutions, technologies and services for animal feed, aqua feed, pet food and biofuel industries, draws attention to this matter. So, how is efficiency achieved in feed mills? What impacts do production processes have on efficiency? Underlining that for an efficient production, it is necessary first to determine the current situation and compare it with both short-term and long-term targets; Lastein explained the ways to increase efficiency in feed mills for our readers. More details are in our interview. Dear Mr. Lastein, first of all, what does efficiency mean in a feed mill? What factors come to mind immediately? Improving profitability is the clear goal of every commercial company and is the direct result of the relationship between fixed and variable costs. For feed producers, the highest variable cost is in the raw materials. Therefore, improving the efficiency of the feed so that animals better utilize the nutritional content, grow faster, and are ready for market sooner helps achieve that goal. Nutritional improvement occurs in conditioner and pellet mills where a combination of moisture and temperature is used to cook starch and protein. Achieving the highest capacity, utilizing the correct amount of energy (with less waste), and less wear on machines further support efficiency. Additionally, inefficient order planning resulting in processing many small orders and therefore frequent line clean-outs, can erode line capacity. Stating that increasing efficiency in feed mills starts with determining the current situation and comparing it with both short- and long-term goals, Nils Lastein, Application Manager at ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel, says, “ANDRITZ recommends hiring a qualified third-party consultant with a global perspective to inspect, analyze, interview and report on the state of the plant.” WAYS TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY IN FEED MILLS Nils Lastein, Application Manager, ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==